Rotobaler Control Arrangement for Slope Bale Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deposition of cylindrical bales on slopes is challenging, requiring highly trained operators and risking damage to the bale when slid into position, as existing technologies fail to ensure safe and controlled placement without rolling down slopes.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement using an inclination sensor to adjust the bale's position relative to the slope, incorporating actuating mechanisms and position sensors for semi-automatic or fully automatic steering, ensuring the bale's axis follows the slope's inclination, preventing rolling and damage, and utilizing a carrier with pivoting axes to maintain stability during deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bale is slid into position on the ground, then the bale can be deposited, but the bale may be damaged by sliding and wrapping material may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier device acts as an intermediary between the baler and the ground. The carrier receives the bale and deposits it onto a support structure (such as a platform or ramp) that positions the bale safely on the slope without requiring the bale to slide along the ground surface, thereby preventing damage to the bale and its wrapping material
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning actions by using the carrier and support structure to pre-position the bale in the correct location and orientation before final deposition. This eliminates the need for post-deposition sliding adjustments that would damage the bale
2Productivity
If the bale is deposited on a slope, then productivity is maintained, but the bale may roll down the slope into the back side of the baler
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier device and support structure are designed with adjustable and movable components that can adapt to different slope angles and bale positions. The system dynamically adjusts the carrier's angle and position to ensure the bale is deposited in a stable orientation that prevents rolling down the slope, while maintaining continuous operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
Position sensors detect the bale's position and the slope's inclination, providing feedback to the control system. The control system uses this information to automatically adjust the carrier's angle and the support structure's position to ensure the bale is deposited in the correct orientation, preventing it from rolling into the baler's back side
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning is used, then operator control is maintained, but highly trained operators are required and operator safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning using automated sensors and actuators that detect the slope inclination and bale position, then automatically adjust the carrier and support structure to the correct angles. This eliminates the need for highly trained operators to manually position the bale, reducing operator skill requirements and improving safety while maintaining precise control
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical positioning by operators is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors, computers, and actuators to position the carrier and support structure. The control system processes sensor data and automatically adjusts the mechanical components, reducing the skill level required and improving operator safety
4Device complexity
If the carrier is positioned at fixed angles, then the structure is simple, but the bale cannot be deposited safely on varying slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier device incorporates adjustable components with multiple positioning angles and movable support structures that can be dynamically configured to match the current slope angle. This allows the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on articulated linkages and adjustable mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and controlled deposition of bales up to a ton without sliding, preventing rolling and damage, and allowing for accurate weighing corrections, enhancing operator safety and operational efficiency on slopes.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination sensor (26), which generates a signal from the inclination of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A rotobaler is provided with an inclination sensor that recognizes an inclination to the side as well as in the longitudinal direction. This inclination sensor generates a signal coupled to a computer that, in turn, controls a display arrangement in order to indicate whether a base that is to be unloaded from the rotobaler can be safely unloaded considering the existing inclination of the rotobaler. In the event an unsafe inclination is present, either the computer sends out a control signal which blocks an operation for depositing the bale on the ground, or causes the bale to be oriented in such a way during the discharge process that the longitudinal centerline of the bale is parallel to the inclination of the slope.